Type I - V Personal Floatation Device

A Type I PFD is an offshore life jacket designed for all types of waters, including open ocean, rough seas, coastal water or for extended survival in remote water; this type allows the wearer to stay afloat in locations where rescue could be slow to arrive. Life jackets of this type provide the most amount of buoyancy, and many will usually turn an unconscious person face up.

A Type II PFD is a near-shore buoyant vest designed for calm inland waters where the chance of rescue is quick. Some vests of this type can turn an unconscious person face up.

A Type III PFD is a floatation aid designed for use in calm water where the chance of rescue is quick; this type is designed for general boating activities or specialized activities (such as fishing, kayaking, and so on). Aids of this type will typically NOT turn or maintain an unconscious person face up.

A Type V PFD is a special use device such as a work vest, deck suit, and so on. It must only be used for the type of activity for which it was designed. The label on a Type V indicates the approved activity, restrictions and limitations, and equivalent performance type (such as indicating if its floatation is equivalent to Type I, II, or III).

A hybrid Type V PFD uses inflation and the buoyant floatation material found in other types of PFDs.

Commercial PFDs that you would wear on the job are typically Type I or Type V. Your employer will help determine the type of PFD you will need.

To learn more about Water Safety & Drowning Hazards visit our Water Safety & Drowning Hazards Online Training web page.